What To Expect Tonight From Tanaka’s Debut

Masahiro Tanaka couldn't have come to the New York Yankees at a better time.

While everyone is cheering Derek Jeter for his 19 years of service in the MLB -- giving him cowboy boots, and 10 gallon hats -- as he takes his final stroll around the league, there is a seven-year, $155 million dollar "solid", consistent third starter named Masahiro Tanaka waiting to unleash on the MLB.

Tonight when the Yankees face off against AL East foe Toronto at 7:10, you can expect every baseball fan to be on the edge of their seat waiting to watch the 25-year-old Japanese sensation.

Tonight will be Tanaka's first trip to a major league mound. During spring training he went 2-0 in five games (starting three) with a 2.14 ERA and a staggering 26 strikeouts. He wasn't just pitching against young bucks either. Tanaka was up against the Phillies veterans like Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.

Howard said. “He’s tough because his motion looks the same on every pitch. He doesn't slow down his delivery. And he throws the splitter hard, so it looks like a fastball until it goes down right at the end.”

I believe Tanaka will have a chance to move up in the Yankees pitching rotation if he pitches like he did in Japan, and C.C doesn't improve his recent form. Good or bad tonight we have to remember it's a long season, up and downs are expected.